National Nonwovens introduces nonwoven flame barrier

Ultra-Pro Techtor uses Ultem polymer and fibers

Ultra-ProTechtor

03.12.12

National Nonwovens has introduced Ultra-ProTechtor, the first fire-blocker for all aircraft seating dress covers. Ultra-ProTechtor is a lightweight nonwovenflame barrier utilizing Ultem polymer and newly-developed Ultem fibers by Sabic Innovative Plastics.

"Ultra-ProTechtor is engineered to provide ultra-flammability protection with superior performance at a lower weight and lower cost," says Anthony Centofanti, CEO and president of National Nonwovens.

"Although it was initially designed for the Aerospace Market, Ultra-ProTechtor can also greatly benefit other markets that have modes of transportation requiring fire-blockers."

The enhanced construction of Ultra-ProTechtor provides increased stability along with significant property improvements, including: low smoke density and toxicity, water repellency, low heat release, high puncture resistance, and improved fire-blocking protection at a lighter weight. In addition, it has excellent seam, tear and tensile strength resulting in less stretch and is formaldehyde free. Ultra-ProTechtor was also tested and met FAR25-853-A and C amendments 25-116-appendex F part II by two independent US laboratories.

Ultra-ProTechtor combines the National Nonwovens advanced engineering with the superior Ultem fiber technology and the result is material that is inherently more fire-resistant than Aramids. It has a higher Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) rating than either Nomex or Kevlar. LOI is an index that rates the fire-resistance properties according to the minimum concentration of oxygen, expressed as a percentage. The higher the number, the greater resistance of the polymer to support a flame; Ultra-ProTechtor has an LOI of 44 while Nomex has an LOI of 26 and Kevlar has an LOI of 31.